Ultimately, I Have Nothing New to Say

So naturally, I'm going to create a blog post about that.

The biggest news is my ultimate game Tuesday night. We got our shirts, which I'm not a big fan of. Got some decoder message on the back I need to figure out what is this weekend. Not nearly as cool as last year's with the Lord of the Disc theme.

There were two women and eight guys, so we did have a few subs. Not as many as I would have liked, however. Especially since one of our guys hurt himself diving for a throw on the second point. One of our better players, mind you. Looks like he's out for the rest of the season.

We played extremely poorly. The other team beat us 17-6. We kept doing things like throwing it away for no good reason. Throwing it way above the person's head, things like that. The other team hadn't won a game yet this year, which I find hard to believe. They played really well.

What frustrated me the most was that they were poor winners. The attitudes of a few players was so arogant and bad it took all the fun out of playing. I'd prepared myself to loose, but that was just the pits.

In other news, Casey and I finished Quantum Leap season 1 last night, and I'm about half way through A Clue for the Puzzle Lady. I'd been warned about the main character and that in these early books she's a chain smoker and a drunk. Honestly, I don't find her that bad. Maybe because I was expecting it going in. The story is entertaining and confusing, the characters likable, and the word play, especially between two of them, is wonderful. I'm having a hard time putting it down. I will most definitely be going back for more and I'm already wishing I hadn't waited two years to read it.

We get the next few days off for the 4th. Not sure what I'm doing tomorrow yet, but I'm hoping to take in a movie or two and hit Hurricane Harbor on Monday. We'll see if I can do all the outside stuff I want to do without getting sunburns galore inspite of the sun screen I'll use.

Thursday Threesome for June 30th

And may I be the first to wish you a Happy New Year's Eve.

Today's Thursday Threesome is brough to us by good friends, Kleenex, and The Back Porch.

Onesome - I'll be - What did you want to grow up to be when you were a child? If you aren't fulfilling your childhood dream, what made you change it?
I wanted to be a writer. The fact that it takes self-discipline is the biggest reason I'm not doing it. Also the fact that it takes so long and lots of luck for it to pay the bills.

Twosome - Your shoulder - Who's your confidant? Who do you run to when you need emotional support?
My friend Debbie is often someone I run to first (and let's welcome her to the world of blogging). Also Pastor Dave or Jon, more for advise then emotional support. My parents also can get an unexpected call from me when I need it.


Threesome - When you cry - What makes you cry? The scent of flowers? Allergies? Or are you just super-sensitive to that sad song you always seem to hear on the radio lately?
A sad or sappy movie or story of any kind. Hurt feelings. The drop of a hat. I really cry a lot, more then some women I know.

Word Association Time

Good thing this is all I was planning to blog today.

Father's Day edition:

1. Domesticated:: Pet
2. Cask:: Casket
3. Wayne:: Bruce
4. Insidious:: Bad
5. Cool!:: Beans
6. Dishwasher:: Detergent
7. Little house:: on the Prairie
8. Stepford:: Wives
9. Hung:: Jury
10. Falling:: Down

This week's:

1. Useless:: Knowledge
2. Radiant:: with Joy
3. W:: Bush
4. Unpaid:: Balance
5. Geek:: Techno
6. Unfaithful:: spouse
7. Reboot:: Computer
8. No!:: Yes!
9. Squad:: Police
10. Fetish:: Enjoy

Ok, so that last one in an understatement.

Church Campout Take Two

So this weekend was the annual church campout. Now I know some of you are already cringing if you remember what happened last year. Just relax, this year was the best of the three I've been to. (Yes, I've been three times now, which kinda makes the title inaccurate. But it fits so well.)

And what made it so great? I just hung out and relaxed. I really needed the down time with little else going on.

Friday, I left here about 4:30, really needing to have left earlier. Ran some errands, then finally headed to Nick's. We left from there and met up with Kurt and Kellie and their friend Brad for dinner. Got to the campout, set up, hung out for a little while, and went to bed.

To my surprise, I actually slept in Saturday morning. Of course, it probably helps that it wasn't cold for a change. My back was really sore. Wound up borrowing an air mattress the second night. I need to get me one!

Anyway, did nothing too exciting. I had been feeling funny Friday, but felt fine the rest of the weekend. Swam for maybe an hour, went into Solvange checked out their used bookstores, which weren't anything to get excited about and had no Carolyn Hart. Came back, and spent three hours finishing Dead Man's Island. Yeah, I was slightly hooked on the story. The ending was a bit abruppt, but over all, it was very good.

Saturday night we had a praise service, then Sunday morning was a church service of sorts and we hit the road. Got Nick home in time to hit Laura Levine's launch party for Shoes to Die For. Just missed Joanne Fluke, which was a bummer, but I had lots of fun. Then I came home and talked to my family.

As I said, it was nothing exciting. Didn't play any games. In fact, in some ways, I was rather anti-social. But it felt so good to relax and not worry about it. I had a great time and definitely want to go back next year. And since Nick and I shared a tent, it was much cheaper then in years past when I've driven up alone. Plus Nick and Kurt's grandparent's fed the whole lot. By the end, there was an army of family and friends. All in all, a wonderful weekend.

This Has Been a Good Week

All in all, this week has been good, even if a couple unhappy things happened today.

The Good:

Tuesday night, Casey told me he'd decided to stay at my place instead of moving back into the dorms in the fall. There is much rejoicing! I would still like to find another guy to stick in that room, but one down is a good start.

Wednesday night was my next ultimate game. We won last week, so I really wanted to win when I was there. It was a close game, with us ahead by two at half but them tieing us part way through the second half. We traded points for a while, with them always in the lead. Then we managed to pull ahead and win 17-15. Next week could be a killer, however. Lots of the team seems to have a conflict. We might have seven, the max on the field at a time, with me being one of them. I went running this morning to make sure I didn't die until the second half. But that might not have been a good idea. (More on that later.)

Last night was Bible study. And Nick was back from choral tour and then touring Europe afterwards. Great to see him again. And I'm supposed to be going to the church campout with him in a little while. If I can get out of here. I'm still here at 4 and was told I could go home whenever after noon. Of course, I've done little work and instead worked on my next part of Superheroes and Villians. I just wrote episode XIX, and we've only posted IV on the blog, so we still have some catching up to do.

Anyway, today was the best news. They gave everyone who has been working here since last year a bonus. And we're talking a nice one, too. In my eight years here, we've had three of them, and this is by far the nicest one yet. Considering my roommate situation, this is a welcome bit of money.

The kinda bad:

After all that, these seem to be petty things. :)

My rank at Amazon has slipped to 106. I've been passed by someone from behind after bouncing around between 104 and 105 for a couple weeks. :(

I'm really not feeling well today. Since I have to go home and get my tent, I'm going to take my temp while I'm at it. But I don't think I'm sick.

I should probably post this since I need to stop by Target and pick up Trixie Camp pictures and deposit my bonus check on the way home, then go and meet Nick. And I have a little bit of work to do before then. I was going to walk out the door 3 minutes ago. And I believed it when I decided upon that time.

Thursday Sixsome

That is what you get when you do two Thursday Threesomes in one day, right?

Both are brought to us by The Back Porch, of course.

In addition, last week's was brought to us by the blue flue.

Onesome: I can't come in-- Have you ever locked yourself out of the house or the car? How'd it happen, and how did you get back in?
House I haven't yet. I've had roommates who have, however. I have a spare key to my car in my wallet, so I've got that back up when I do lock my keys in the car. I don't think I've done that since getting a remote, however.

Twosome: to work today-- What is your dream job and why?
One where I don't have to keep roommates. Why? Read the last few months of my blog. :) I would also love a job where I got to read all day.

Threesome: because I...-- What's the worst excuse you've ever given or heard of for not going into work/ school? Why did you really call in?
I honestly can't remember a time when I've called in sick when I wasn't. There have been days when I've felt like it, but I've never done it.

Today's edition is additionally sponsered by type A drivers.

Onesome: Road Trip-- How do you feel about road trips? I mean, no planning, no prep, just up, up and away! Have you had any good ones? Lately?
Sounds wonderful to me. Don't think I've ever done anything like that.

Twosome: With-- Ah! Who do you/would you/could you take a road trip with? ...and where would you be off to?
Well, Chris is hoping to take one soon. After Sunday, I think he, Matt, and I would have a blast together. I think it would work with many of my friends. Destination? "We're merrily, merrily, merrily on our way to no where in particular."

Threesome: No Stops-- Do you drive non-stop when you take your planned trips, stretching your endurance to the limit of your bladder? ...or do you have your rest stops pre-programmed into your itinerary?
Well, everytime I head to my parents, I stop at Santa Nella for gas and/or food. And I make a stop at Donald's one direction of the other. I stop at rest stops every hour or two depending on how much water I've had to drink. I don't have an iron bladder.

The Rest of the Story

So where was I, mid afternoon Friday?

Friday night we went to the vonTrapp family Lodge for dinner. Very nice meal. I know it's not someplace I'd eat if I were in the area by myself, so it was fun for something different.

Friday night was the tamest rager yet, hosted by Jenn and Angelique. I stayed until almost the bitter end I was having such a good time. We laughed, and more words were put in my mouth. Kaye, I want to look at your quotable quotes since I don't think they're close to 100% accurate.

Saturday was our sleep in day. We didn't have to be anywhere until 9 AM. I actually decided to do something different and use the whirlpool tub in my room. Then we were off to the gandala ride up the top of the nearby mountain. Just as we reached the top, the clouds cleared so we could see down into the valley. But it was clouding up again by the time we reached the bottom. Then we headed into Burlington for an afternoon of lunch and shopping. There was a group of us that ate at the Red Tomatoe, closest we could come to the Purple Turnip. Had just enough time to check out the two used bookstores. Both had Trixies, although nothing below 14, so I don't think anyone bought any of them. The first one we went to had a Carolyn Hart book, so I bought it. There was also a book called Nibble to Death by Ducks. With a great title like that, how could I pass it up?

We then headed out the the Ethan Allen homestead. I was surprised and disappointed to learn how little is known about this Revolutionary War figure.

Dinner that night was on a cruise on Lake Champlain. If it weren't for the cold, it would have been fun. Still, it was good. Especially when I warmed up after dancing with Cathy. Swing will do that do you. Sure wish I remembered more.

Sunday morning it was time to leave. Lori and I decided to head the long way to the airport, figuring it would only add 10 minutes or so. We went over Smuggler's Notch. It was a very pretty drive, but the speed limit was much slower then we'd counted on, so it took almost two hours to get to the airport. Heck, those who left after us were waiting when I got there. Got to the counter about half an hour before my plane was supposed to leave. The guy let me and my luggage on, but did lecture me about arriving on time. Frankly, I was thrilled I hadn't missed the flight.

Landing in Cincinnatti, I called Matt to come pick me up. This time, we didn't have any trouble connecting since I had some clue where I was going. He took me by his work, the Cincinnatti Museum, which means I can add Ohio to my list of states (up to 22 now, right?). Then we went back to his house, where I finally got to meet Chris. We had lunch and hung around the house for a couple hours. Unfortunately, my flight to LA was on time, so I couldn't stay longer. I did pick up the Babylon 5 set (I know you were all worried), and left an extra copy of The Gatehouse Mystery. If Matt knows what's good for him, he'll enjoy it. On the way back to the airport, we stopped by his local library. Very nice. And they've got a nice collection of the new Trixies. All under Campbell, but I won't complain. So if he likes it, he has no excuse. (Insert evil smiley here.)

Arrived back in LA early. Helped a guy who hardly spoke English get his car started. He had his own jumper cables, so after all the years I've owned mine, I still haven't used them. Then I drove home, dropped my film off at Target, and called Dad for Father's Day.

Yesterday was the annual river rafting trip with the youth of church. I thought I might be too tired, but I had a great time. Of course, part of that was that I didn't have to drive. The water was colder then I remembered in years past, and it was certainly higher due to all the snow we got this winter. We did three runs, each one progressively longer, ending with one that had class IV rapids in it. First time I'd ever done those, and it was fun. I got thrown out of the boat three times by high schoolers. The weather was hot, so being wet was actually a blessing.

Think that about covers it. Today was back to the grindstone of work. I wish I had another fun trip to look forward to.

Entry from Out of State

So the last time I updated my blog from somewhere I normally wouldn't, I updated from somewhere else in Southern CA. This time, I'm doing it from the other side of the country.

So, how's my week been? I'm glad you asked.

Monday night I went bowling with Konrad, Carol, and Debbie for Konrad's brithday. No one did that well, but I did get into the 120's twice and won one of our three games. A good time was had by all.

Tuesday was nothing special, although I did stay up late writing reviews and not packing.

Wednesday was another crazy day at work trying to get ready to leave. Then I had to go home and pack to come to TRIXIE CAMP!!!!!!!

So Wednesday night, I left at 8PM to head to the Van Nuys flyaway. I decided to stop and get a juice drink along the way. Turned out to be the most expensive one I've ever had. I missed the shuttle I needed by seconds and had to drive down to LAX myself, which means my parking for this trip will be twice as much as I had hoped for. Then, along the way, I got stuck in traffic. There was an accident going north, and those of us going south were slowing way down to look. But I finally made it to the airport and got checked in. Got on the plane to discover that I was in the very back of the plane, so my seat didn't recline even the little bit that they normally do. I finished Not a Girl Detective (which had a reference to Trixie Belden in it!) and then tried unsuccessfully to sleep. Eventually I gave up and started reading/skimming the Trixie for this trip, Mystery on Mead's Mountain.

My plane go into Cinncinati a little late, and it took awhile, but evenutally Matt and I connected. We had a good if too short visit over breakfast. Casey had found some books that were Matt's, so I agreed to take them to him. Originally, I thought they were one or two, but it was an entire box of books. I still have the sore sholdiers from carring them all over the airport. But the best part? They weren't his. None of them! He also has my season 5 set of Babylon 5. I'd better get that back when I see him again Sunday!

Waiting form my plane to Vermont, I met up with Barb Tweety, her son Nick, and husband Mark. We were on the same flight in, and they gave me a ride to the resort, after stopping for lunch and a scrapbooking store.

Before I forget, I must mention the guy I sat next to from LA to Cinn. He was also on the flight into Vermont, heading to a camp in upstate New York to work for the summer. Sorry, don't remember what color his hair was, so I don't know if I met Jim, Mart, Brian, or Dan.

Got here to the lodge plenty early, so I checked out the indoor pool and hot tub. Very nice. Then we had a welcome cheese, wine, and cider reception and dinner here on the premises. Dinner was a riot, especially when Cathymw and I made Katrina think that Susansuth had killed off Jim. I don't think I've laughed that hard in a long time.

Today we had tours of the area, Ben & Jerry's (see that machine over there? We use it next.), and a cider mill. Then we had lunch and walked around downtown Stowe.

Weather here has been raining all day. Rained off and on yesterday, but hasn't stopped today. Hope it lets up tomorrow.

Well, JennS is waiting for the computer, so I guess I'd better go.

Couple of Quick Things

Today is the 228th birthday of the US Flag. Did you know it had its own web site? Neither did I.

Every year when Flag Day rolls around, I think about an Adventures in Odyssey broadcast. It was a direct response to flag burners in the 90’s and sent two of their kids back in time to the writing of our national anthem. What the kids, and those listening, realize by the time it’s over is that the flag is more then a piece of cloth. It represents our country. It’s a symbol of who and what we are. So those who burn our flag are doing it as a slap in the fact to this country. Sorry, but it’s not something that is at all patriotic. There are other, truly patriotic, ways to protest things you don’t like. Burning your country in effigy isn’t one of them.

The other things:

For a few months now, some friends of mine and I have been working on a story. It’s a made up tale of superheroes and villains. We each take turns writing a chapter according to our random assignment. The storyline is a little chaotic since we are writing and creating characters at random, but it holds together reasonably well. If you’re interested, we’ve started posting the story on a new blog. Right now, we’re posting a new segment every few days, but it will slow down when we catch up.

Speaking of which, I need to post my segment before I leave for Trixie Camp tomorrow night, don’t I? (30 hours until my plane leaves, but I'm not counting!)

So Much to Say, So Little Time

Wow, it's been a while since I updated this thing with comments from life, hasn't it? I'll have to hit the highlights, I guess.

Tuesday and Wednesday - nothing out of the ordinary.

Thursday - Didn't have Bible study because of 8th Grade graduation at the school. Went to that in stead. Afterward, headed down to my first ultimate Frisbee game of the summer. Now this year, there was an option asking us about night of the week preferences. I put down Thursday as the only night I have a conflict. Guess which might most of my games are. Yep! Anyway, we did pretty well the first half, only behind 7-9. The second half we fell apart. I think it was something like 10-17 when the game ended. On a personal note, I had two successful completions during the game, something that doesn't normally happen this early in the season.

Friday - Casey was gone for the weekend for his brother's high school graduation. Naturally, it made the condo mine! All mine! As much as I love Casey as a friend and roommate, it was nice to have the place to myself. Especially so I could deal with what happened that night.

One of the formers came by to get a couple things left behind and the mail. As well, I thought, he was going to pay me for the two weeks he lived there in Feb. He told me he'd been thinking about it more and remembered that he had moved in as a guest of one of the other roommates. Of course, it took us about 30 minutes to figure out what was going on. Finally, we concluded that he had been invited to crash on the couch or a bed until the roommate moved out because he didn't have any place to stay. This violated the agreement we had reach a few days before it happened. I was not informed at all about what was going on, leaving me to assume that he had moved in a little early. Combining this with the fact that someone made him a copy of the key without talking to me (I have so many that was a needless thing to do), and I was fuming for the rest of the night. Let's just say that I am very very glad they are all gone because of how little respect they showed me in the last six months. I need to get some guidelines together if I'm going to have to keep roommates.

Saturday - I washed the new sheets I'd gotten earlier in the week. This is the first time I'd had new sheets in more years then I'm willing to admit. Of course, I think I got what I paid for ($8 from Wal-Mart). They're a little rough and see throughish, but it's still nice to have something new. Especially because they're still better then what I already had.

It was also my turn to host the game night. I had 8, the most I've ever had. We had baked potatoes, which went over well again. Plus I made the multiple choice bar cookies from Blueberry Muffin Murder. They were a hit. although I didn't like them as much as I thought I would. I didn't think about the fact that I'm not that big a fan of marshmellows browned, and that's what happens when you bake them. For the game, we played Apples to Apples.

Yesterday - Church stuff. Didn't promote the new 7th graders, still don't know why. And we had a SNYF where the new 7th graders came. Lots of kids and lots of fun.

Think that catches you up to date. Right now, I need to get back to work.

Word Association for June 12th

Here's the original.

1. Wally:: Beaver
2. Phantom:: Menance
3. Slippery:: Slope
4. Fungus:: Mushroom
5. Slot:: Machine
6. Type:: Writer
7. Discharge:: Gross
8. "We need to talk”:: Trouble
9. On the spot:: Quick Thinking
10. Liquid:: Water

Memes Day Two

Also known as the Thursday Threesome for June 9th. Brought to us this week by athletes, constructions workers, kids playing in the mud, and the Back Porch.

Onesome: I could really-- get into what or who musically this week? Have you run across anything or anyone new to share with the gang?
I got Mark Harris's CD yesterday. He's a member of the group 4 Him, but this is a solo album. I've listened to it a couple times, but I'm not completely sure how I feel about it yet.

Twosome: Use-- Hey, what do you use for most of your cooking? The microwave? ...or the toaster oven? Regular oven? Weber grill? (...and Mark, opening the bag of chips doesn't count!)
LOL. I think my reputation procedes me. And, Dan, you left out stove top. I most often use the microwave. Fastest way to heat up those TV dinners.

Threesome: A shower-- ...and the softball of the week: shower or bath? What's your preference. Okay, pool or hot tub (if you had one or both )?
I prefer a shower. As to pool or hot tub, pool in the summer and hot tub in the winter.

Memes - Day One

So, let's play catch up on some of these, shall we?

First up, word association.

1. Exhibit:: Museum
2. Evolution:: Lie
3. Loser:: Winner
4. Hypnotic:: Suggestion
5. Unlikely:: Paring
6. Interrupt:: Conversation
7. Ambivalent:: I really don't care
8. Rise and fall:: of Rome
9. Indian:: Burn
10. Prophecy:: Revelation

Now, I've been tagged by Aleta to answer some questions about my reading. Since the idea is to pass it along, hey Faith, Chris, John, Matt, Jeremiah. You're it!

(I think I covered most of this yesterday, but let's see, shall we?)

How Many Books Do You Own?

I'm sure I have at least a couple hundred. Some are in my office, but most are at home. And there are plenty in the garage.

What is the Last Book You Bought?

I bought about half a dozen books at Half Price books last Friday. I got three Carolyn Hart books, two Douglas Adams, and the first figure skating mystery, On Thin Ice.

What is the Last Book You Read?

Last night, I finished All Rivers to the Sea by Bodie and Brock Thoene.

Name five books that mean a lot to you.

That's hard. It goes without saying that the Bible is on my list, so I won't list it.

The Gatehouse Mystery because it's my favorite Trixie.

Fatal Fishes by Sandy Dengler because she sent me the manuscript after the book didn't get published.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. There's something magical about that Narnia book.

Little Pilgrim's Progress. I spent a year reading nothing but this book over and over again when I was in elementary school. I really, really need to reread it.

The Bronze Bow. This is a powerful story set during the time of Jesus. Still blows me away. (And Elizabeth George Spear's other books are close seconds.)

A Trip Report

Why? Why must vacations end? Of course, in this case, I think it was a good thing that my brother, sister-in-law, and I all wish my visit could have been longer. I'd much rather leave now then when we all can't stand each other any more.

Before I get to that, a quick update. When I got home Thursday night, I found both of the other outstanding keys. So, that was all taken care of before I left. My co-worker started on the shower, but finished it up Friday night. It actually feels like it's working right for the first time in a year!

So, Friday morning, I got up at 3 AM to head to the airport. Got there and got checked in no problem. Well, ok, so I had trouble finding my way to the new parking garage since there is still construction going on. And I cut it about as close as I could. But I still had plenty of time to wait for loading. Then I got to Phoenix on time as well. It was there at my travel adventures started.

They were having storms in Dallas, so we sat on the run way for half an hour then circled Dallas for an hour. Didn't mind too much since it meant that I could read more Harry Potter. In fact, when we did land, I was 15 pages away from the end of the first book. Naturally, I finished it before I went to bed that night.

My brother dropped me off at Half Price Books for a couple hours while he studied for his summer school class. I bought $30 worth of books, but not as many as I would have bought had money been no object. Included in my purchases were a few Carolyn Hart books and what looks like a first American edition of Douglas Adam's first Dirk Gently book.

Friday night we just hung out, talked, and ate dinner.

Saturday, we headed out to Six Flags over Texas. And we had a blast. It was a little hotter then I would have liked, but it was also a lot less crowded then I expected. We hit all the rides we wanted to hit, several of them multiple times. And we complained about 45 minute waits, which we missed most of the time. We closed out the park, staying until 10 PM. I was impressed with the park. The themeing was better and they had a few rides I wish they'd build here in CA.

Sunday, we started the day by going to their church. I've now been to their church twice, and I have yet to hear their pastor speak. The first time, he was on vacation for Thanksgiving. This time, they brought in Josh McDowell. He gave his testimony, which was powerful. I'd heard it before, but it had been a long time. It was recorded for future use in Arab countries where he already has a good ministry going.

Then came lunch. This was the part of the weekend I was most concerned about. We met up with Lori and Leslie from the Trixie boards. Mike read the books a long time ago, and Zoe has never read them. Considering that's what I had in common with these people I had never met before, I was worried that it could flop. I should have known better. Meeting Trixie friends is always fun, and this was no exception. Yes, we did talk Trixie and the boards a little, but we also talked about plenty of other things so Mike and Zoe weren't board. We got there late because of a bad traffic jam, but we stayed for almost 3 hours.

When we left, we headed over to their new house. They get to move in in about a month, but the people they bought it from have great about showing it to a steady stream of relatives. It's a nice little house and I'm really happy for them.

The rest of the trip was nothing spectacular. We talked to our parents (always good), Mike study for a test in his class. Monday he went to class and Zoe went to work. In the afternoon, Mike and I stopped for gelato on the way to the airport. The airport is where things got interesting again.

My flight was delayed by a maintenance issue once I was on the plane. I got into Phoenix 15 minutes before my flight was to leave. I arrived at gate A24 and was leaving from gate B22. Believe me, I ran. Got enough of a workout, I decided I didn't need to go running this morning, in fact. That flight got into LAX on time, but my bag wasn't on it. See, my original flight was supposed to continue on to LAX as well and arrive about the same time. My bags just stayed on that plane. That flight was still behind schedule, so my bag arrived an hour after I did. But it got there, and I eventually made it home safe and sound.

Of course, the good news about all this is that I got that much further in my book. All Rivers to the Sea is another depressing Thoene book. The whole series has been a downer in many ways, but this one is too much like Shiloh Autumn for my taste. It's getting into the potatoe famon and is just so sad. Only 50 pages left, so I can't complain about how long it's taken me to read.

So, What Else Have I Been Up To?

This needs to be a fast post since I should be working on tomorrow's deposit since I'm taking tomorrow and Monday off work! But, since I haven't talked about my weekend or this week, I thought maybe I should fill you in before I leave.

Saturday I mostly lazed around and watched TV. Did finish Rocky and Bullwinkle. Turned out I only had two episodes to go. :) I did go to a book signing for Susan Kandel's new book, Not a Girl Detective.

Sunday was church in the morning, then Casey and I went to Pasadena to a Ginny Owen's concert. It was part of a church's Sunday night service, and the sermon wasn't that great, but the concert was great. I'm not as big a fan of her third CD as I am the first two, but I liked the songs more live then I have on CD. And she's really funny in person. I've been to a couple concerts where I wished I hadn't gone since I didn't like the personna of the artist. If anything, I liked her more.

Monday was supposed to be many things. I was going to do something fun. Then I was going to save money, stay home, and relax. I did neither. Benjamin moved out, so Casey and I started working at rearranging the bedrooms. Got the bunk beds apart and stored in the garage and Casey moved what he wanted from his stuff up to the condo.

The last couple of days have been quiet. Working and going home to watch TV. Did manage to finish Shoes to Die For. Laughed all the way through it as always, but thought the ending a little off. Definitely could have been stronger.

So yesterday was the first of the month. Guess how many people I had keys back from. That's right, none. I had to call all three of them last night to ask for them back. And one was just going to return it to me next week. Um, I don't think so. You don't live here, you need to return you key. One guy did drop by and return it, so that was good. I'd better get the other two back tonight.

And tonight, the co-worker is supposed to come by and look at my shower to see if it will stop leaking. Hopefully he can figure something out. Naturally, it's not leaking too badly today.

We're going to talk a little about summer and how youth group will look tonight. We might be dropping worship for the summer, which I would actually like. Give me a little more free time and a break from looking at the same songs all the time. It would just be for the summer, but I know I would be refreshed by the time away. Meanwhile, it's Chad and Mindy's last Thursday with us. I'll certainly miss having them around youth stuff.

Right now, however, I have a deposit I need to put together since I won't be here in the morning to do it. Have a great weekend! I'm certain I will.

Thursday Threesome for June 2nd

This weeks edition is brought to us by me and The Back Porch.

Onesome - I - Tell us something about yourself that you haven't posted about before and wouldn't mind stating on the record.
After three and a half years of blogging, I can't think of much.

Twosome - Need - Is there anything you need at the moment? What is it? Or, are you not in need of anything but want something?
Really truly need? Nothing. Although I guess I could say I need the vacation I've got coming up tomorrow. Or a new job so money isn't so tight.

Threesome - a Laptop - Do you have a laptop? If so, what type is it? Any recommendations for someone looking into getting a laptop?
I don't have a laptop, which is why this week's edition is brought to us by me. :)

In Which I Commit Blasphemy

So Casey and I went to see the third and final Star Wars film Friday night. (Third and final of six. Sounds like a Douglas Adam's universe to me.) I was less then impressed.

Once again, I felt completely detached from the characters and the story. And I'll give you a clue, lots of 10 second scenes near the beginning don't help.

Then there's the dialog. The actors do the best job of it they can, but if they seem bored, maybe it's because the dialog is wooden.

And the story. Frankly, this was Lucas' biggest mistake. I already know how the story ends, so why should I care? This would have been an exciting and innoventive movie had I not already known the ending. I was hoping there would be some sub-plot along the way that would make me care or keep my interested, but there wasn't. It all happened exactly as I expected, and any of the "cool details" that would make it interesting for fans, I figured out by the half way point.

This, of course, is the problem with prequels. How do you make it exciting when the audience already knows the ending? It's very hard to pull off. Unfortunately, Lucas didn't manage.

Back to what I was saying. If I hadn't known Annikan turned to the dark side, I might have cared and been interested. As it was, I was left feeling bored and detached waiting for the inevitable ending to come.

Honestly, I hope he stops there because I have a feeling any further movies could become further excuses for special effects (which were great) with not as much thought to character and plot, which are what will keep my interested in a movie.